The Super Rugby AU season continues this weekend with two crucial matchups. First up, the winless Force host the 2nd placed Reds on the Gold Coast. Then, the highlight of Round 8 will be the rivalry meeting between the Brumbies and Waratahs in Canberra on Saturday night.
Super Rugby Preview Round 8 Betting Tips
Western Force vs Queensland Reds
Fri, Aug 21 7:05pm (AEST)
It was another loss for the Western Force on the weekend as they were no match for the in-form Waratahs, going down 28-8. WIth 3 games remaining against the Reds, Brumbies and Rebels, it’s tough to see where the 0-5 Force are going to get their first win from. But they should take a bit of confidence out of a close loss to the Reds in their Round 3 meeting this season (31-24).
Meanwhile, the QLD Reds rebounded from a crushing 45-12 loss against the Waratahs with a much improved defensive effort in Round 7. They successfully kept the Rebels try-less in the 19-3 result and showed great spirit in defence, despite a weight of possession against them. As a result of the victory, the Reds are now back into 2nd on the ladder and this is basically a must-win against the bottom side of the competition.
There’s a lot at stake for either side on Friday night. The Force are desperate for a win before the season ends. Meanwhile, the Reds are trying to fend off the ‘Tahs and Rebels for 2nd spot on the ladder. As well as a chance to finish first if the Brumbies slip up. So considering the Reds defensive effort last week, it’s difficult to see how the Force can score enough points for an upset.
ACT Brumbies vs New South Wales Waratahs
Sat, Aug 22 7:15pm (AEST)
Saturday night Rugby in Canberra features another installment of the rivalry between the Brumbies and Waratahs. For the home side, they’re sitting pretty atop the ladder but another loss will be less than ideal. They’re coming off the bye last week but previously were smashed by the Rebels 30-12 in Sydney. So the in-form Waratahs will pose a tough challenge.
The Waratahs resurgence continued last Friday night as they easily cruised past the Force on the Gold Coast in the 28-8 result. They’ve now won two straight games and have outscored the Reds/Force 73-20. So they’ll look to continue the momentum against the Brumbies here.
It’s tough to back against the underdog Waratahs at the moment and we like their chances of an upset on Saturday night. The two sides played in a 1 point thriller previously this season (24-23) and the ‘Tahs are arguably playing better Rugby at the moment. Meanwhile, the Brumbies were disappointing in their last outing and could be rusty in the first half after the bye last week.
